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The First Grader 2011

In a remote Kenyan village, Maruge, an 80-year-old former Mau Mau freedom fighter, sets out to learn to read. Defying his age and challenging societal norms, he joins a class of young students seeking free education. His determination sparks a powerful and moving story about the pursuit of knowledge, perseverance, and the transformative power of learning at any age.

In a remote Kenyan village, Maruge, an 80-year-old former Mau Mau freedom fighter, sets out to learn to read. Defying his age and challenging societal norms, he joins a class of young students seeking free education. His determination sparks a powerful and moving story about the pursuit of knowledge, perseverance, and the transformative power of learning at any age.

Does The First Grader have end credit scenes?

No!

The First Grader does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of The First Grader

Explore the complete cast of The First Grader, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


No actors found

Ratings and Reviews for The First Grader

See how The First Grader is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The First Grader stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

56

Metascore

7.3

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

62%

TOMATOMETER

review

76%

User Score

IMDb

7.4 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

71

%

User Score

Letterboxd

3.5

From 1 fan rating

Movie Insider

4.25/5

From 4 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate The First Grader Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of The First Grader with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


The First Grader Quiz: Test your knowledge on the inspiring story of Kimani Maruge and his journey towards education in 'The First Grader'.

In what year did Kimani Maruge begin his journey to primary education?

Awards & Nominations for The First Grader

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by The First Grader, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how The First Grader and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


2010 Toronto International Film Festival Awards 2010

Nomination

People's Choice Award Runner Up

Justin Chadwick

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The First Grader

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Read the complete plot summary of The First Grader, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


In the sweltering heat of 2003, Kenyan radio was filled with exhilarating news that would forever alter the life of an unsuspecting octogenarian. Kimani Maruge, portrayed by Litondo, an 84-year-old villager, tuned into the broadcast and learned that the government was offering free primary education to every citizen who could substantiate their birthright. Motivated by this newfound opportunity, Maruge embarked on a deeply personal journey toward self-discovery and literacy. Upon arriving at his local school, he met Jane Obinchu, the principal and teacher, played by Harris, who listened with patience and encouragement as he expressed his aspiration to learn to read. Unfortunately, her teaching colleague Alfred, portrayed by Munyua, was far less sympathetic, insisting that Maruge vacate the premises.

Despite this setback, Maruge’s resolve only intensified. As he immersed himself in classes, memories of his service during the Mau Mau Uprising against the British in the 1950s began to surge back. The haunting echoes of his past spurred a mix of emotions that affected his mental state, causing him to hallucinate and become confrontational with the students. His academic trials quickly became a topic of national interest, capturing the attention and compassion of Kenyans everywhere.

Mr. Kipruto, the school district superintendent, portrayed by Kunene, was taken aback by Maruge’s situation, suggesting he be sent to an adult education center instead. However, Jane staunchly refused to abandon her elderly student, seeking out the head of the education board to advocate on his behalf. In spite of her dedicated efforts, she was told that making an exception for Maruge would set a perilous precedent, potentially undermining the entire education system.

Unfortunately, Maruge was placed in an adult learning center filled with individuals lacking the drive and enthusiasm to pursue their education. Resolute to leave this disheartening atmosphere behind, he eventually found an unexpected new beginning when Jane offered him the opportunity to work as her teaching assistant. As Maruge’s inspiring story gained traction and captured international attention, local media flocked to the school, leading to tension among parents. Many villagers began to suspect that Jane and Maruge were exploiting the children for their own gain, resulting in negative responses and sporadic acts of violence directed at the school.

The situation escalated when a formal letter arrived from the authorities, announcing Jane’s imminent transfer to another educational institution located hundreds of miles away. As she prepared for this emotional farewell, Jane conveyed the bittersweet news to Maruge, and together they engaged in a poignant goodbye ritual with the children. This goodbye stirred a wave of discontent among the students under new management, prompting Maruge to take action. He resolved to journey to Nairobi, motivated by the desire to plead his case directly to the education board and advocate for Jane’s return to the school. Meanwhile, back in the village, the children awaited her return with eager anticipation, and their hopes were finally fulfilled when Jane re-entered the gates, joyfully welcomed back by Maruge and the students.

As the credits begin to roll, the film transitions to highlight Maruge’s extraordinary legacy, which resonates far beyond the confines of his small Kenyan community. At the remarkable age of 84, he set a Guinness World Record for being the oldest individual to begin primary school—a testament to his unyielding passion for education. This milestone was merely the prelude to an even greater recognition: Maruge was invited to speak before international leaders at the United Nations in New York, where he inspired a new generation to embark on their own journeys toward literacy and knowledge. His message struck a chord worldwide, igniting a movement that transcended borders and time zones.

Though his incredible journey concluded with his passing in 2009, Maruge’s profound impact on the world endures, a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of education and the remarkable capacity of the human spirit to grow, endure, and inspire others.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for The First Grader

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The First Grader — Make a Difference | National Geographic

Cars Featured in The First Grader

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Explore all cars featured in The First Grader, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Chevrolet

2011

Aveo5

Chevrolet

2001

Venture

Ford

1997

Econoline

GMC

2010

Terrain

Jeep

1988

Cherokee

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


britonelementary schoolschoolteacherpresidentkickold maninsultplanting a seedprisoner of war campshoetelevision announcertelevision cameraalphabetmurderlettertoe chopped offnumberafricacell phonemurder of a childfreedommau mauvillageeducationsprayed with a hoseadult education1950sintergenerational friendshiphard of hearingfather daughter relationshipmother daughter relationshipfather son relationshipmother son relationshipdragging someonegunsoldiertutoringshot in the headreference to the daily telegraphreference to the kenyan timesreference to the los angeles timesreference to the new york timesemployer employee relationshipnewspaperrole modelhandshaketeaching assistantburning hutfirewhipping

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